Threats to Native Birds

Source: Birdlife Australia

• Climate Change
• Coastal Development
• Disturbance of Breeding Birds
• Water Flow Changes in Rivers
• Changes in Fires and Burning Regimes
• Habitat Clearance and Fragmentation
• Invasive Species

Removal of Nest Hollows is a Threat to Native Birds

Here at Tamworth Birdwatchers Inc. we’re passionate about the wellbeing of our natural ecosystem and recognise the responsibility we have to protect the environment and biodiversity. Tree hollows and fallen logs provide important homes for Australian wildlife, but they’re disappearing at an alarming rate. Trees provide critical habitat for native wildlife to forage, shelter, roost and nest. Hollow bearing trees are particularly important, as many species use hollows on a daily and seasonal basis to nest and raise their young.

Across NSW, at least 174 animal species are hollow dependent. 40 of these are listed as threatened, and the availability of trees, particularly hollow bearing trees, across the landscape is key to their ongoing survival.
Tree hollows take hundreds of years to form but are quickly disappearing from our landscape, and they’re not easily replaced. But the good news is, we have the opportunity to do something about it.

Photos: Denise Kane

Let’s work together to protect the homes of the wildlife we love:

• Retain and protect all trees with hollows, even dead ones
• Allow for the regeneration and regrowth of native vegetation
• Leave fallen logs and debris on the ground
• Educate yourself, neighbours and your community about the importance of tree hollows as homes.

Find out more at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/hollows-homes
Here in the Tamworth Local Government Area (LGA ) we have 40 native bird species that need hollows for some, or all, of their nesting. Eight of these species are threatened with extinction: Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Little Lorikeet, Swift Parrot, Turquoise Parrot, Barking Owl, Brown Treecreeper, Southern Whiteface and Flame Robin.

Avoid disturbing these threatened birds, especially when they are nesting. Keep an appropriate distance from, and don’t linger too long, near a nest. The birds may be exposed to stress, predation, or nest failure if they are disturbed.

Let’s all “do our bit” and support the Saving our Species “Home is where the hollow is” campaign by retaining, protecting and regenerating native vegetation.

What Can I Do to Help?

• Plant a Bird Friendly Suburban Garden.
• Revegetate your Farm with Native Trees.
• Control Feral Species 
  eg Indian Mynas, Feral Cats, Invasive Weeds
• Join a Local Group that works to protect Threatened Species 
  eg Tamworth Birdwatchers, Landcare
• Contact your Government Representatives. Encourage them to consider Threatened Species when making Planning and Development decisions.
• Sign up to a Birdlife Australia Campaign 
  eg “Protect Swift Parrots Forever”